The Portable Auroral Imager (PAI) provides high temporal resolution optical measurements of auroral phenomena on a campaign basis. High sensitivity is achieved through the use of modern image intensifier technology in conjunction with a charge-coupled device. The imager is equipped with a standard C-mount lens adapter, allowing the use of a wide range of optical assemblies from telescopes to all-sky lenses. Field of view/spatial resolution can thus be tailored to closely match that needed to best study the phenomenon at hand and to provide supporting measurements for any other instrument simultaneously employed. Data is stored for later digitization using high-resolution analog video recording equipment. The imager itself is stored in an easily transported foam-fitted aluminum case. Photo: `Waiting for the Aurora', © 1994 T. S. Trondsen

• DISSERTATION: High Resolution Auroral Imaging
• Auroral "activation" is a dynamic phenomenon: [Example I|Example II].
• The Aurora: a multiscale phenomenon [illustration-1].
• Activated aurora is associated with very thin auroral curtains (<100m) [Example].
• Some images and movies of the northern lights (aurora borealis) acquired by PAI.
• PROJECT: Small scale Alfvénic structures in the Earth's magnetosphere
• Watch the Freja satellite in orbit, as observed by the PAI.
• A slide showing the evolution of auroral vortex structures.
• A Gallery of Black Auroras
• A color slide illustrating the field of view of the imager.
• A brief description of the imager.
• Imager technical specifications (Brief Version).
• Content and photo of imager case.
• PAI data availability
• Useful tools that may save you (or perhaps cause you to waste) a lot of time.

• K-12 Links (external): P.O.E.T.R.Y., I.N.S.P.I.R.E., and The Aurora Page. See also Simulating the Aurora!.

• Go to Trond S. Trondsen's personal homepage (projects, résumé, list of publications).
• Return to The Institute for Space Research homepage.